By David E. Plunkett, CPA

Finding Balance in a Busy World

When people hear that I’m a CPA, they often assume my life revolves around numbers, spreadsheets, and tax deadlines. While that’s certainly a big part of my career, my story has always been about much more than balance sheets—it’s about finding balance in life. For me, that balance has come from family, career, and community. None of those areas stand alone. Each one has shaped who I am, and together, they’ve taught me lessons about living a meaningful and fulfilling life.

The Foundation of Family

I grew up in Lynn, Massachusetts, the son of a mechanic and a nurse. My parents, Edward and Janice, taught me the value of hard work and caring for others. Those lessons have stayed with me in every stage of my life.

I married my high school sweetheart, and we shared 32 years together before I lost her in 2020 after a long battle with breast cancer. We raised two wonderful sons—DJ, who found his passion on the Broadway stage, and John, who became a talented artist. Their paths remind me that success doesn’t have to look the same for everyone; it’s about following your calling.

Recently, I was blessed to find love again and remarried in June of 2025. With that marriage came two stepchildren, Zander and Rebecca. Zander now works alongside me in my tax practice, and Rebecca has built her own career in marketing in Boston. Blending families later in life has reminded me that love and support can expand far beyond what you imagine, and that family continues to evolve with every new chapter.

A Career in Finance

My career path in finance has been long and winding. After earning degrees from North Shore Community College, Merrimack College, and Suffolk University, I worked my way through roles at West Lynn Creamery, MSM Management, and Bruker, where I gained experience as a Controller, Treasurer, VP of Finance, and CFO.

Eventually, I decided to put that experience to work in my own businesses, Miasserian & Plunkett LLC and MPS Tax Services Inc. Running a tax practice isn’t just about numbers—it’s about people. I take pride in helping clients navigate complex tax laws, plan for their future, and find peace of mind in knowing their finances are in good hands.

Technology has transformed the accounting world, but what hasn’t changed is the importance of personal trust. Clients don’t just want accurate numbers—they want someone who listens, explains, and cares. Building a career in finance has taught me that numbers may be the product of what I do, but relationships are the purpose.

Serving the Community

Outside of family and career, community has always been at the heart of my life. Over the years, I’ve coached baseball, served as a Scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts for seven years, and had the privilege of helping several young men earn the rank of Eagle Scout. Guiding kids through challenges and milestones reminded me that leadership isn’t about telling others what to do—it’s about walking alongside them, encouraging them, and celebrating their successes.

I’ve also stayed committed to giving back through fundraising and volunteer work. After losing my first wife to breast cancer, supporting organizations that fight this disease became deeply personal. I’ve participated in breast cancer fundraising events, and I also volunteer with the Salvation Army and community efforts like “Freezin’ for a Reason.” Service, I’ve learned, is less about recognition and more about being present when people need you.

Lessons Learned Along the Way

Looking back, I can see that balancing family, career, and community hasn’t always been easy. There were late nights at the office, weekends filled with games or Scout outings, and tough moments when life’s challenges felt overwhelming. But I’ve also learned some important lessons along the way:

• Time is the most valuable investment. Whether it’s with family, clients, or community, showing up matters more than anything else.
  
• Success is broader than a career. Professional accomplishments are rewarding, but real fulfillment comes from relationships and service.
  
• Balance is never perfect. There will always be seasons where one area takes more focus than another. The key is to adjust, stay grounded, and not lose sight of what matters most.
  

Moving Forward

As I continue my career and life journey, I carry these lessons with me. I still enjoy riding horses on our family farm, spending time with our dogs, donkeys, and sheep, and appreciating the simple joys that balance out a busy work life. At the same time, I remain committed to growing my practice, mentoring the next generation of accountants—including my stepson—and staying active in the community.

The truth is, balance isn’t a destination; it’s a process. Life shifts, families grow, careers change, and communities evolve. What remains constant is the effort to keep each area in harmony. For me, that’s meant leaning on the values my parents taught me, the love I’ve shared with my family, and the fulfillment that comes from helping others.

Final Thoughts

After a life in finance, I’ve come to realize that the greatest lessons aren’t found in numbers—they’re found in people. Family, career, and community are all interconnected, and when one thrives, the others are enriched. My hope is that as I continue to serve my clients, support my loved ones, and give back to my community, I can set an example of what it means to live a life of balance, purpose, and gratitude.